The Tragic Reason Why ‘Bonanza’ Went Off the Air

Is there a television series that better symbolizes the golden age of TV Westerns than Bonanza? Set against the sweeping backdrop of the Nevada Territory during the 1860s, Bonanza followed the lives of the Cartwright family, comprised of patriarch Ben (played by Lorne Greene) and his three very different sons: the wise and serious Adam (Pernell Roberts), the kindhearted and strong Hoss (Dan Blocker), and the fiery, impetuous Little Joe (Michael Landon). Each episode blended action, drama, and heartfelt family dynamics, making Bonanza a weekly ritual for millions of households — until the tragic death of Dan Blocker caused the show to come to a premature end.